In the relentless pursuit of decarbonizing the heavy-duty transport sector, a groundbreaking study led by Alexander García Mariaca from the Energy and CO2 Group at the University of Zaragoza, Spain, has shed light on a novel approach that could revolutionize the way we think about fueling our trucks and buses. The research, published in the Journal of CO2 Utilization, explores the integration of on-board carbon capture and storage (OCCS) systems with Power-to-gas (PtG) technology, creating a closed carbon loop that could significantly reduce emissions from heavy vehicles.
The study delves into the technical and economic feasibility of equipping heavy-duty vehicles with OCCS systems that capture CO2 emissions directly from the vehicle’s exhaust. This captured CO2 is then used in a PtG plant to produce synthetic natural gas (SNG), which can be used to fuel the same vehicle fleet, effectively closing the carbon loop. The OCCS system utilizes temperature swing adsorption with two sorbents, PPN-6-CH2-DETA and zeolite 13X, achieving carbon capture rates of 70% and 100%.
Garcia Mariaca emphasizes the potential of this approach, stating, “By integrating OCCS with PtG technology, we can create a sustainable fuel cycle that not only reduces emissions but also utilizes the captured CO2 as a valuable resource.” This innovative method could pave the way for a more circular economy in the transport sector, where emissions are minimized, and resources are maximized.
The research also examines the economic viability of this integrated system. Using Aspen Plus and AVL Boost softwares, the study simulates various scenarios to understand the cost implications. The findings reveal that the carbon abatement cost reaches a break-even point at 150 €/tCO₂ for a fleet size of 400 vehicles. However, the high operational expenditures and low incomes in the evaluated scenarios mean that the capital expenditures do not achieve payback within 20 years. This highlights the need for supportive policies and incentives to make such technologies economically viable.
The sensitivity analysis conducted in the study provides further insights. It shows that for the proposed systems to be techno-economically feasible, the CO2 tax must be higher than 400 €/tCO₂, and the natural gas price must exceed 160 €/MWh. These findings underscore the importance of policy interventions in driving the adoption of low-carbon technologies.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the transport sector continues to grapple with the challenges of decarbonization, the integration of OCCS with PtG technology offers a promising pathway. By creating a closed carbon loop, this approach not only reduces emissions but also provides a sustainable source of fuel. This could significantly impact the energy sector, driving innovation in fuel production and consumption.
As García Mariaca notes, “The future of sustainable transport lies in innovative solutions that can capture and utilize emissions effectively. Our study demonstrates that integrating OCCS with PtG technology is a step in the right direction, but it also highlights the need for supportive policies to make this a reality.”
The study, published in the Journal of CO2 Utilization, which translates to the Journal of CO2 Utilization, provides a comprehensive analysis that could shape future developments in the field. As we move towards a low-carbon future, such innovative approaches will be crucial in transforming the heavy-duty transport sector.
